Help us to help you

You don't have to wait to see a GP. Certain illnesses can be treated by visiting the Pharmacist and by self care. There is also the option to visit the Minor Injuries Unit or the Urgent Care Centre for other complaints.

Self-Care

Coughs and Colds / Grazes / Hangover

You can treat all of the above, in fact, this is the best place for you.

Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply by combining a well-stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest.

Make sure that your medicine cabinet is stocked with;

Paracetamol

A thermometer

Antihistamines

Aspirin (not for under 16s)

Rehydration mixture

Anti-diarrhoea medicine

Plasters

Indigestion remedy

Pharmacist

Your pharmacist is a healthcare professional who can provide advice and treatment for these common conditions as well as dispensing prescriptions. Free emergency contraception is also available at some local pharmacies.

Urgent Care Centre

If you have an urgent, but non-life-threatening illness or condition, attend the urgent care centre. The urgent care centre is open 24hours a day, seven days a week.

Visit the UCC at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup DA14 6LT

Call 0208 308 561

A&E

Please only visit A&E if you are suffering from the following; Blacking out / Bleeding you can't stop / Severe chest pain / Choking / Loss of consciousness / Stroke

These are all emergencies and you need urgent hospital care.

Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments and 999 should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. A&E departments provide immediate emergency care for people with very serious of life-threatening illness.

At A&E the most seriously ill patients will be seen before those with less urgent care conditions. This means that some people will have to wait for several hours or they may be signposted to their GP, pharmacist or other healthcare services who will be able to assist them.